First visit to Vatican

My first visit to Vatican City came on a rainy autumn day, which turned out to be perfect timing. St. Peter's Square, largely empty of the usual crowds, offered beautiful reflections on the wet cobblestones - excellent conditions for photography.

Vatican City is the world's smallest independent state, covering just 0.44 square kilometers with a population of around 800. It's the spiritual center of the Catholic Church and home to some of humanity's greatest artistic treasures. Fun fact: Vatican City has its own post office, radio station, and even issues its own passports.

What I Experienced

St. Peter's Basilica from the outside is overwhelming in its scale. The colonnade designed by Bernini wraps around the square like embracing arms - the symbolism is intentional. On a rainy day, you really appreciate the architecture without fighting through crowds.

I chose not to enter the Vatican Museums this time, knowing that deserves a dedicated visit with proper time. Instead, I walked the perimeter of the tiny state, observed the Swiss Guards in their Renaissance uniforms, and enjoyed the atmosphere of this unique enclave within Rome.

The rain created fantastic photo opportunities. The reflections on the stones, the muted colors, the dramatic clouds above St. Peter's dome - sometimes bad weather makes for the best photography.

Practical Notes

• No currency of its own - uses the Euro
• Vatican Museums require advance booking (especially post-Covid)
• St. Peter's Basilica is free but has a dress code
• Rainy days mean fewer tourists - worth considering
• Allow a full day if you want to see everything properly

This was just a brief introduction to Vatican City. I returned years later for a more thorough exploration of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.